Uplifting songs recommended for people in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese hits

A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko

“Cruel Angel’s Thesis” MUSIC VIDEO (HD ver.) / Zankoku na Tenshi no Te-ze “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis”

It’s a song widely loved as the opening theme of the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, resounding with Yoko Takahashi’s vocals.

It portrays youth’s growth and potential with words that are both beautiful and powerful.

Released in October 1995, it has remained timeless for over 25 years, continuing to leave a deep impression on many people.

It even won first place overall in JOYSOUND’s ranking of songs sung during the Heisei era, boasting popularity across generations.

It’s a track that can lift your spirits when you listen during little moments—while doing housework or on a drive.

Why not hum along? It’s sure to set your heart dancing.

Crimson SunMisora Hibari

Crimson Sun

One of Hibari Misora’s signature songs, it was released in May 1967.

A notable feature is the participation of Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets.

It was re-released in 1992 and was later covered by The Gospellers and Yoshimi Tendo.

Until today and from tomorrowyoshida takurou

Takuro Yoshida - Until Today, and From Tomorrow -

It was Takuro Yoshida’s (then known as Yoshida Takuro) third single, released in July 1971.

Although initial sales were not very strong, it gradually gained popularity and has long been cherished as a classic.

It was also used in a Crayon Shin-chan movie.

Let’s go anywhereYamazaki Yui

Let's go anywhere

The song was originally created for a Bridgestone commercial, and the original singer was Yui Yamazaki, who was also active as an actor and voice actor.

Many artists, including Dark Ducks and Masayoshi Yamazaki, have covered it.

Although it was a corporate commercial song, it has also been featured in music textbooks.

Chanchanko ~KANREKI 60~Pikotarō

Chanchanko ~KANREKI60~ / PIKOTARO

It’s a humor-filled song celebrating one’s 60th birthday.

Centered on the major life milestone of turning sixty, it combines straightforward congratulations with a powerful cheer for the life ahead.

The catchy phrases and rhythm that make you want to hum along are exactly what you’d expect from Pikotaro.

Released in June 2025 as a song for NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” it also drew major attention for its music video created with generative AI.

Play it at a loved one’s 60th-birthday celebration, and the whole place is sure to brighten up.

Let’s all sing and dance and turn it into the best party ever!

Love me to the bone.Jō Takuya

Love Me To The Bone — Takuya Shiro

It was a single released by Takuya Jo in January 1966 and became a hit, selling 1.4 million copies.

In the same year, a film directed by Takeichi Saitō based on this song was also released.

It has been covered not only in Japan but also by singers in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and it is widely known across Asia.

Kusokurae-bushiOkabayashi Nobuyasu

Kusokurae Bushi (To Hell with It Song) by Nobuyasu Okabayashi

This is a single released independently by Nobuyasu Okabayashi in 1968.

It’s a song that satirizes politicians and those in power, and listening to it feels refreshing.

A major-label version with a different title was also produced, but it ended up being banned from release.